First destination Mumbay, first stop Kala Ghoda District

Some of them call it Mumbai, others Bombai. For all of them Mumba Devi is the Mother Goddess.

The city is not only the most populated city in India, but also has the largest film industry.

Not as famous, perhaps, is Kala Ghoda district, a jewel for visitors.

Its name, which literally means 'black horse', is possibly due to the bronze equestrian statue of King Edward VII, which has been part of the district since colonial times. Today the area, which has also given its name to one of the country's most important painting and sculpture festivals since 1999, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hotspot, offering art, history, education and some of the best restaurants and bars in the city, thanks to a high concentration of heritage buildings, museums, and art galleries.

Photos from left to right: Kala Ghoda District as seen on Pinterest | Kala Ghoda Festival as seen on Pinterest por Josh Susskind

With its half-moon shape, the district is the home to places like the Jehangir Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and The Arts Trust, as well as India's oldest cast-iron building, The Esplanade Mansion. Formerly known as the Watson Hotel, it was the venue chosen by the Lumiere brothers to screen their films in 1896. Today, on the third floor, it is the office of the art magazine, Marg.

There are many places where we could enjoy ourselves. However, I will stop at the one that was a real discovery for me: Kala Ghoda Café. Although it can be described in many ways this old turn-of-the-century barn, café, bakery, wine bar, and art gallery, what defines it most is its different and intimate atmosphere in the very heart of this historic district.

Photo by Chuzai Living

There are two outstanding features. First, its interior: the impressive vaulted wooden ceiling, its two skylights and the original exposed structure. Second, its gastronomic offer: the selection of Indian and international wines, the best varieties of organic coffee (the best in the city!), the breads and pastries baked on the spot, and its focus on healthy, natural, fresh, and simple food. All this has made it a totally different alternative that is well worth a visit.

 Photo from left to right: Foursquare by Bloodfire | Chuzai Living

Its owner, Farhad Bomanjee, a photographer and true global citizen, returned to his hometown and decided to create "his perfect café", paying homage with his name to the area where it was located. So, he created this modern café with just a few tables, where simplicity meets art and refinement, thanks to the temporary exhibitions that decorate the walls.

 Photo by Helen Rimell

And there's more. On Sundays, cyclists who use the bike locking devices in the café will receive a free coffee. This is Farhad's way of promoting sustainable transport, an important detail in a crowded city.

Photo by contactashoo

Where can you find it? Opposite Trishna, Mumbai's most famous seafood restaurant, and just around the corner from a bright blue synagogue in the historic art district.

One last recommendation: don't miss their pesto cheese sandwich. Also, you can have it for breakfast, which they serve all day long, while you connect for free to their Wi-Fi. And you know what? It works!

Do you want to take a break and escape the hustle and bustle in your own home? Here are 6 tips to help you do just that. Coffee is on you ;)

1. Mazuelo bottle, a natural and rustic touch that you can decorate with flowers. 2. Antoinette stool, you don't need to sit down in order to be seduced by its noble materials. 3. Set of 3 flowerpots Xian, its sober line makes it combine with both industrial and rustic ambiences. 4. Tajín vase, this antique will transport you to ancient cultures. 5. Tenerife mug 6. Sirah bottle,both vintage and industrial, you can combine different numbered models, creating sets with different sizes and heights.